‘Reckless’: Trump’s threats against NATO allies spark fierce backlash in Europe

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The former US president and current Republican front-runner suggested at a rally in South Carolina that he would “encourage” Russia to attack NATO members that do not contribute 2% of GDP to the alliance’s coffers. did.

He claimed that the president of an unnamed European “power” asked him: “If we don’t pay and Russia attacks, will you protect us?”

President Trump said, “No, I won’t protect you. In fact, I encourage them (Russia) to do whatever they want. You have to pay. You pay the bill. must be paid.”

Speaking in Brussels on Monday morning, EU foreign policy and defense chief Josep Borrell said: “Let’s be serious. NATO cannot be an ‘a la carte’ military alliance.[NATO]depends on the EU’s humor. It should not be a functioning military alliance.” President of the United States at the time. ”

“I’m not going to waste my time commenting on the stupid ideas that come up during this campaign in the United States,” he added.

President Trump’s inflammatory comments were also condemned by European Council President Charles Michel. “Reckless statements about NATO security and Article 5 unity only serve President Putin’s interests,” Michel said. Said on social media platform X.

Article 5 obligates the 31 members of the military alliance to provide relief to members who are victims of armed attacks. This system was activated only once, in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

“They do not bring more security or peace to the world,” Michel continued. “On the contrary, they are re-emphasizing the need for the EU to urgently further develop its strategic autonomy and invest in defense. And we need to keep our alliance strong.”

Thierry Breton, European Commission Commissioner for Internal Market, said: Said French television station LCI said President Trump’s comments showed that American democracy was “sick”.

“We can’t risk our national security every four years,” Brereton said, referring to the U.S. presidential election.

He also claimed that Trump’s comments were related to a conversation he had with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during his presidency in 2020. Trump reportedly told her that the United States would not help her if Europe was attacked.

“You have to understand that if Europe is under attack, we will never be able to help you and support you,” President Trump said at the 2020 Davos meeting, according to newspaper Breton, adding, “By the way. , NATO is dead,” he added. ”

Germany’s Foreign Ministry, one of NATO’s biggest spenders, says that although spending still falls short of the 2% of GDP target, “NATO’s tenets ensure that more than 950 million people from Anchorage to Erzurum People’s safety is being protected.”

Guy Verhofstadt, a Belgian lawmaker who is part of the parliamentary delegation responsible for relations with the United States, also said: took me to X It calls on the EU to “coordinate and integrate defense efforts, from procurement to deployment” to reduce dependence on the United States.

Officials in Brussels are increasingly concerned that Trump’s return could seriously disrupt the West’s closely aligned Ukraine policy and undermine NATO’s influence.

The bloc aims to expand its defense industry and military capabilities to strengthen its so-called “strategic autonomy.”

Concerns that President Trump could reimpose punitive trade tariffs on EU goods imported into the United States are also adding to the alarm. President Trump has vowed to impose a 10% tax on all foreign imports and an even higher tax on products made in China if elected.

A European Commission spokesperson said on Monday that the executive branch was “setting up a systematic internal process to prepare for all possible outcomes of the US presidential election,” but did not provide further details. There wasn’t.